Look To The Stars News: Russell Simmons

PETA Names Russell Simmons As 2011 Person Of The Year

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:15:00 +0000

PETA has announced Russell Simmons as its Person Of The Year 2011.

“The horrible abuse of animals is the worst karmic disaster in the history of human kind,” he said. “The work that PETA does to combat this catastrophe is amazing. I’m truly humbled to be chosen as this year’s Person of the Year but the praise should go to the hundreds of thousands of volunteers that are on the ground doing the work. I accept this honor on their behalf.”

Celebrity Charity Gifts That Give Twice

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Looking for a gift to top all gifts this holiday season? Leading charity auction site charitybuzz.com is offering access to hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime celebrity experiences.

The site’s “Gifts That Give Twice Holiday Auction” features lots ranging from the chance to meet Christina Aguilera on set at The Voice to the chance to hang with BB King backstage.

Auction proceeds support the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations around the world, such as the the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Tibet House, True Colors Fund, GO Campaign and more.

Hugh Jackman And Mariah Carey Join Made With Pencils Celebrity Charity Campaign

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:45:00 +0000

This holiday season, Pencils of Promise (PoP), a nonprofit whose mission is to build schools in the developing world, is launching their Made with Pencils campaign. The Made with Pencils campaign allows the world’s leading cultural curators and artistic minds to produce original works made from pencils that will be auctioned off to build new schools.

Beginning November 30, these one-of-a-kind creations will be auctioned on the Pencils of Promise website, so supporters can not only purchase an expression of iconic inspiration, but also play an active role in producing schools in the developing world. All funds raised go directly to building schools and educating children around the world.

Participants include leaders across all industries. In the entertainment sector Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Hugh Jackman, Lil’ John, Russell Simmons, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Sophia Bush have all created original works. Sports superstars Shaquille O’Neal, David Freese and Steve Nash have contributed. Fashion gurus and designers Cynthia Rowley, Jonathan Adler and Simon Doonan are participating, as are artists Joe Fenton, Jon Burgerman and Stephen Wiltshire. Other noteworthy individuals include television journalist Katie Couric and Chelsea Clinton. Many additional prominent actors, performers and creators are confirmed to participate and will be announced in the coming weeks.

PETA Honors Famous Vegetarians On Postage Stamps

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

A number of famous vegetarians are featuring on a limited edition sheet of US postage stamps launched by PETA.

According to PETA.org: “The VIPs featured on these unique postage sheets ditched meat from their diets either out of concern for their health, for the environment, or for animals—and our world would not be the same without their accomplishments. Although the individuals featured in this series seem very different at first glance, they are united in their respect for animals.”

Meet Ellen DeGeneres And Russell Brand At David Lynch Foundation Gala

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Here is your chance to bid on 2 VIP tickets to attend the LA Gala for the David Lynch Foundation, Change Begins Within, on Saturday, December 3, 2011, to be held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

The unforgettable night begins with a special VIP meet-and-greet with Ellen DeGeneres, Russell Brand, Russell Simmons, David Lynch and others, followed by a Conversation and Performance with the celebrities and other surprise guests. Finally, you will be treated to a gourmet dinner and world-class entertainment.

Soldiers returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq and their families, as well as underserved youth living in violence and poverty, often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), called the “black death of the 21st century.” This living nightmare fuels violent, impulsive behavior; substance abuse; acute anxiety; manic depression; the inability to hold a job or stay in school; frayed family relations; and homelessness. In fact, more soldiers commit suicide each day than die in combat.

LTTS Exclusive: Russell Simmons Honored At Somaly Mam Foundation Celebrity Charity Gala

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, October 20, Look To The Stars’ Allison DiLiberto and Scott Cable attended the Somaly Mam Foundation’s annual gala at Manhattan’s Espace (635 West 42nd Street), which honored The Body Shop Americas, Russell Simmons, Rush Communications, and U.S. Department of State Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, Melanne Verveer.

Russell Simmons, Susan Sarandon, Somaly Mam, Annalynne McCord, Phil Kowalczyk

Stars Support Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:00:00 +0000

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF) 24th Anniversary Awards Dinner, themed “Developing Minds…Delivering Dreams” is scheduled for Monday, October 24, 2011 at The Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers in New York City.

The almost 2000 Attendees include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Students, HBCU Alumni, and leaders of the community, corporate, and government sectors. Multi-Award Winning Gospel Music Artist, Pastor Shirley Caesar will be hosting the event.

Musical performances include Marsha Ambrosius, Maya Azucena, Soloist Reverend Mishael Miller, DJ R-WAN, and the Soul Play Band. Scheduled honorees include Russell Simmons, Dr. Thelma B. Thompson, John Esposito, and Ban Ki-moon. Special celebrity guest slated to make appearances include Blair Underwood, Cuba Gooding Jr., Tichina Arnold, Rockmond Dunbar, Lamman Rucker, Terrence J and Carl Lewis.

Celebrities To Wear Purple For Spirit Day

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) will join millions of lesbian gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and allies by participating in Spirit Day and wearing purple on October 20, 2011.

Wearing purple on this day symbolizes support for LGBT people and against bullying of LGBT teens.

GLAAD is working with organizations including the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the PACER Center, GLSEN, GSA Network, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), PFLAG and The Trevor Project as part of National Bullying Prevention Month to inspire Americans to wear purple on Spirit Day.

Star Power Backs Occupy Wall Street Movement

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The tenacious Occupy Wall Street movement that began on September 17 may have been ignored by mainstream media, but it caught the attention of many celebrities who have visited the New York city protest camp. Film maker Michael Moore and actor Susan Sarandon were in there early and, more recently, actor John Cusack and musicians Kanye West and Russell Simmons have lent their support.

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, who performed on the ground for protestors last week, explained his participation: “Do people have control over what their lives and their world are like beyond voting once every four years for someone they cross their fingers and hope is going to do the best job? It’s not a choice between the lesser of two evils; it’s often the choice of the evil of two lessers. The blinders are off. We’re on our own. We’ve got to figure this out for ourselves. As Ghandi said, first they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, and then you win.”

“There’s a hopelessness that’s descended upon people,” said Mark Ruffalo, joining the protest in New York. “That hopelessness crushes dignity, and there’s only so far that human dignity can actually be crushed before it says ’That’s enough’. We’re reaching that point. We’re seeing it happen all over the world.”

Somaly Mam Foundation To Honor Russell Simmons At Celebrity Charity Gala

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

The Somaly Mam Foundation will honor Russell Simmons, The Body Shop Americas and Melanne Verveer, Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues, at its annual charity gala on October 20.

Co-chairs for the event include Lauren Bush Susan Sarandon and Deepak Chopra, and the gala committee includes AnnaLynne McCord, Shay Mitchell, Ron Livingston, Ally Sheedy and Petra Nemcova.

George Clooney Joins Celebrity Speakers At Leadership Forum

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 13:30:00 +0000

George Clooney, Martha Stewart and Russell Simmons will be in Sydney, Australia, in December as part of the 2011 Global Leadership Forum.

The one-day seminar will give businesses and employees the opportunity to discuss future trends, brand management, business strategy and growth, technology and how to inspire people.

Clooney will talk on the power of collaboration. For the past five years, George Clooney has been working behind the scenes in the effort to help Southern Sudan. Newsweek recently labelled him a “Twenty-first century statesman”. Using the business acumen he’s acquired in Hollywood, together with his celebrity, George co- founded the Satellite Sentinel Project (SSP) which is an unprecedented collaboration between Not On Our Watch, the ENOUGH Project, Google, the United Nations UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT), DigitalGlobe, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and Trellon, LLC. And through this powerful collaboration he has been able to achieve exponential results.

Shay Mitchell To Attend Charity Skydive Event

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Somaly Mam Foundation will host a very special charity event in Santa Barbara this weekend that will see participants skydive from 18,000 feet to raise $18,000 towards the eradication of slavery.

18FOR18, the first annual Sky’s The Limit event for SMF, will be hosted by actress Serinda Swan, and also feature Pretty Little Liars’ Shay Mitchell. Other celebrity supporters/sponsors include Russell Simmons, Wilmer Valderrama, True Blood’s Mehcad Brooks, Avatar’s Laz Alonso and many more.

Serinda Swan recently went to Cambodia and visited one of the Somaly Mam rescue shelters as well as the Voices for Change headquarters. After hearing the stories, and seeing what these women and children face everyday, she knew that there was something she could do, so 18FOR18 was born.

Wall Street Under Nonviolent Siege

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:30:00 +0000

In mid-September, a thousand people marched into New York City’s financial district to occupy Liberty Plaza in defiance of the crimes of Wall Street bankers and America’s financial system abuses affecting the majority of the citizens for the benefit of the richest one percent.

The so-called 99 percenters, inspired by the Arab Spring and uprisings in troubled European countries, have long planned this sit-in, which is unified in its frustration and condemnation of the corporatization of the country, but not willing to define a specific demand. Rather, this demonstration, which is growing in size and spreading to cities across the US, has an all-encompassing message from its participants who range in age, profession, sex, class and origins. They want a new system that is fair. They call it “social change”.

Because the protest of the “underemployed and over-educated” is getting coverage in the UK but almost none in the US, some celebrities are stepping up. Political activist Michael Moore has participated and spoken to media outlets about Occupy Wall Street, actress Susan Sarandon has made an appearance and Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons spent some time handing out bottles of water and moral support.

LTTS Exclusive Interview: Nick Cannon Talks Charity

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Look To The Stars’ Abhishek Seth recently got to talk with Nick Cannon about his charity work, making the world a better place… and socks.

What got you interested in charity?

I was always taught: “To whom much is given, much is required.” I’ve been blessed tremendously throughout my life — so I have to be a blessing to others. It’s my duty, and I enjoy it.

Angela Simmons Bares All For PETA

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Angela Simmons – co-founder of Pastry, designer and star of MTV’s Run’s House – unveiled a daring new advertisement for PETA at the Paramount Hotel in Manhatten last night.

“I really want people to know what happens to animals … Animals have feelings, and I think it’s important we take action,” Angela explains. Angela believes that God’s creatures deserve love and compassion and wants to raise awareness about the billions of cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals suffering on factory farms.

Celebrities Support Troy Davis Ahead Of Execution

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:05:00 +0000

On September 21, the state of Georgia is set to execute Troy Davis in the face of overwhelming evidence that he is innocent, and a number of celebrities are lending him their support through Amnesty USA.

Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a Georgia police officer in 1991. However, the case against him consisted entirely of witness testimony which contained inconsistencies even at the time of the trial. Since then, all but two of the state’s non-police witnesses from the trial have recanted or contradicted their testimony.

Many of these witnesses have stated in sworn affidavits that they were pressured or coerced by police into testifying or signing statements against Troy Davis.

Celebrity Charity Auction Marks 9/11 Anniversary

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 12:00:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com is holding a special celebrity charity auction to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.

A number of charities related to the attacks will benefit from the auction, including Tuesday’s Children, Families of September 11, Voices of September 11, World Cares Center and more.

Items and experiences going under the hammer include a set visit to Law and Order SVU with Mariska Hargitay, a walk-on role on The Good Wife, lunch with Donny Deutsch, the chance to meet Russell Simmons, a meet-and-greet with Alan Jackson, a set visit to CSI:NY, lunch with Soledad O’Brien and much more.

Russell Simmons' Celebrity Charity Gala Hits East Hampton

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation will celebrate the Twelfth Annual ART FOR LIFE East Hampton benefit event!

For over a decade, hundreds of friends and supporters have joined Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons, Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation to celebrate the creative energy of New York City youth and honor exemplary individuals for success in their respective fields and good works to better the community.

The evening will honor recording artist Mary J. Blige, actor/filmmaker Edward Norton, President of JPMorgan Chase Foundation Kimberly B. Davis and world renown nutritionist and author Oz Garcia. The star-studded fundraising event will be hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien and The View and Rush Kids Auctioneer Star Jones and feature a special performance by Grammy award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson. This year’s Featured Artist is Kara Walker. Gwyneth Paltrow, Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons are serving as Honorary Chairs.

Russell Simmons Supports 50 Cent's Plan To Feed Africa

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Russell Simmons has shown his support for 50 Cent following the rapper’s charity wish to help Africa on Twitter.

“I want to impact people’s lives more. I created a new goal for myself, I want to feed 1 billion people in Africa over the next 5 years,” tweeted 50 Cent earlier this week.

Hip-hop mogul Simmons was quick to back his friend up: “It is always inspiring to see people who come from ‘hell’ who want to create heaven,” he told GlobalGrind.com. "Like Malcolm X and many others who have come from struggle, it is the journey out of darkness to become advocates of light that is the most impressive.

Russell Simmons Launches Art For Life Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Justin Timberlake, one of the hottest stars in entertainment, has donated a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise funds for Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation through the 2012 Art for Life Online Auction at Charitybuzz.com.

Timberlake is auctioning the chance for two incredibly lucky fans to hang out with him backstage after any concert of their choice during his 2012 tour. Bidding on the package is open through August 10th at leading charity auction site charitybuzz. The estimated value is set at $10,000.

Adopt Pets... Or Gene Simmons Will Find You

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:30:00 +0000

KISS legend Gene Simmons and his longtime partner, Shannon Tweed, have adopted a dog from the Saskatoon SPCA, and made a video urging people to follow their example.

“You should adopt a pet from the Saskatoon SPCA,” says Shannon in a video they made for the charity. “They’ve got great animals down there.”

“Do it… or we’ll find out where you live…” jokes Gene, who also made a donation to the organization.

Kim Catrall Honored At GLAAD Awards

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On Saturday night, GLAAD honored the media’s most outstanding images of the LGBT community at the GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco, presented nationally by ROKK Vodka and locally by Southwest Airlines. Advocates, allies and celebrities joined host Naya Rivera (Glee) at the San Francisco Marriott Marquis to celebrate the people and stories that are moving Americans toward equality for all.

Kim Cattrall at GLAAD Media Awards

Eric Roberts And Chevy Chase To Attend Farm Sanctuary Celebrity Charity Gala

Mon, 02 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Celebrities will mingle, legends will be honored, guests will be wowed, and all will be well fed at Farm Sanctuary’s 25th Anniversary Gala event on May 14 at New York City’s renowned Cipriani on Wall Street.

As the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, Farm Sanctuary has worked for 25 years to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate vegan living. The star-studded Gala already includes the likes of actor Chevy Chase, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, Skinny Bitch author Rory Freedman, comedienne and writer Carol Leifer, “Hot in Cleveland” actress Wendie Malick, television and film actress Kathy Najimy, film actor Eric Roberts, “M*A*S*H” star Loretta Swit, actor Fred Willard, and music by singer-songwriter Nellie McKay.

Farm Sanctuary To Celebrate 25th Anniversary With The Stars

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Following yesterday’s announcement that Moby, John Salley, Bob Harper and Jennifer Coolidge are to host Farm Sanctuary’s 25th Anniversary Gala launch event, the organization will also hold two star-studded, black tie galas in May and September.

The first of these galas will be held in New York City on May 14, and will feature special guests such as Chevy Chase, Emily Deschanel, Russell Simmons, Carol Leifer, Wendie Malick, Loretta Swit and Fred Willard.

To be held at Cipriani Wall Street, the event invites you to “join humane businesses, politicians, artists, the media, celebrity advocates, and dedicated supporters on this special night to celebrate the lives of farm animals and the historic progress achieved on their behalf over the past 25 years!”

GLAAD Honors Stars For LGBT Charity Work

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Downtown LA saw some of Hollywood’s finest at the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Westin Bonaventure this week.

Tori Spelling